Published March 3, 2011 04:37PM
Life Time Fitness CEO Bahram Akradi talks about Life Time’s ultra-distance triathlon, the Leadman Epic 250.
Life Time Fitness has announced the launch of the inaugural Leadman Triathlon, to be held May 14 near Las Vegas, Nevada. The Leadman Epic 250 will consist of a 5K swim in Lake Mead, a 223K bike through the Valley of Fire State Park and a 22K run with a turnaround overlooking Hoover Dam. A Half Leadman option will also be available.
“In launching this new category of triathlon, we wanted to provide endurance athletes with an option that places more emphasis on the lower impact cycle and swim stages, and less on the high-impact run portion,” says Life Time Fitness CEO Bahram Akradi. “Born of our Leadville, Colorado ultra-distance events, the Leadman Epic 250 concept is about catering to those extreme athletes who want to push themselves beyond their wildest expectations by competing in some of the most difficult athletic events ever created.”
In order to participate, athletes must meet one of the qualifying standards set forth by the event organizers (scroll down to view qualifying times and events). “Ultra-distance events are designed to be competitions, not simply completed,” says Akradi. “If you give people enough time, they can complete a long course. The key is to undertake these challenges competitively with a time goal in mind.”
Though Akradi says the Las Vegas event will always have qualifying standards, other Leadman triathlons to follow will not necessarily require them.
In terms of the expected pro field, Akradi says that while they’re in talks with several pros, they are still awaiting final confirmations before making an announcement.
As for the race amenities we can expect? “Participants should expect the ultimate experience at this event in keeping with the Life Time Fitness brand.”
Registration is available online at Leadmantri.com. Entry fee is $399 for the full Leadman and $299 for the Half Leadman. A relay category is also available, with registration set at $499. The host hotel for the event is Green Valley Ranch in nearby Henderson, Nevada.
Qualifying standards:
Event – Men – Women
Leadville 100 MTB – 11:30 – 12:00
Leadville 100 Run – 29:30 – 30:00
Iron Distance Triathlon – 12:30 – 13:00
Half Iron Distance Triathlon – 6:15 – 6:30
Marathon Run – 3:10 – 3:40
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